Beach Ministry Becomes Multicampus Church
In 2012, Nathan F. Pooley and his wife, Kaitlyn, began an outreach to surfers to establish an avenue to reach people who did not fit the traditional church model.
The gathering evolved into Upper Room Church, which started with around 80 attendees in 2017. Today, the church has an average of 500 regular attendees during two services on Sundays between its campuses in Pensacola Beach and Gulf Breeze.
"Under Pastor Nathan's leadership, Upper Room Church has embraced a philosophy that challenges conventional church growth models: they're committed to pastoring the community, not just the congregation," says Larry Perry, network superintendent of the West Florida Ministry Network. "This isn't about building a bigger Sunday attendance number. It's about recognizing that the church's mission extends to every person within reach—whether they ever walk through the sanctuary doors or not."
He notes that the church's "Kingdom-view has manifested in practical partnerships."
"Upper Room has connected with local counseling groups, recognizing that healing requires more than a Sunday sermon," adds Perry, who has known Pooley for more than 10 years. "They've linked arms with other ministries, understanding that collaboration beats competition every time in Kingdom work."
Lizzy M. Anderson, 28, and her husband, Daniel, point out that their first experience walking into Upper Room's Pensacola Beach portable location in 2024 was "one of pure love and acceptance."
“People welcomed us with open arms, and you really can’t beat the view," she says. "There’s something about stepping out of church and seeing God’s creation in the form of beautiful blue waters and snow-white sand that fills your soul. We came for the location, but we stayed for the people.”
Anderson adds that Upper Room has such a family mindset.
"I can truly say there’s something special about Upper Room," she says. "The people are on fire for God, and it’s contagious. God has used Upper Room in our lives by showing us the beauty of long term, consistent relationships both within our families and among new friends, and by inspiring us through the faith journeys of others.
Before moving from California to Pensacola Beach in 2022 with her husband, Steve, and two young adult sons, Diana L. Doulames notes that they prayerfully searched for a church home and were led to the Pensacola Beach campus.
"On our very first day living in Pensacola Beach, we attended service together as a family," she says. "From that moment forward, we have faithfully attended, found areas to serve and been richly blessed. From the beginning, we found the teaching to be centered on Jesus. Pastor Nathan and Kaitlyn welcomed us with open hearts, making us feel loved and truly at home."
Since then, her entire family has been baptized. They participate in small groups, and the couple also lead a group as well.
"One of our sons even met his spouse while serving here," Doulames says. " Along the way, we’ve also formed lifelong friendships with many wonderful people in the church family. The Upper Room has been more than a church for us—it has been a place where our faith has deepened, our family has flourished, and our hearts have found a true home in Christ’s body."
Several years ago, Perry notes that the West Florida Ministry Network found itself with a church building to sell, which was worth a premium on the open market. However, the network sold the property in Gulf Breeze in 2023 to Upper Room at an affordable price, which is now home to the congregation's Nightingale campus and church offices.
"What happened next reads like a parable," Perry explains. "Someone was watching. A gentleman who had observed Upper Room Church's commitment to the community, their consistent outreach and genuine love for people both inside and outside their walls took notice.
"The discounted building purchase demonstrated that others believed in this ministry's vision," he adds. "It signaled that something significant was happening on Pensacola Beach. His response was a $1 million gift to the church. It's the kind of story that makes you believe in divine multiplication—where faithfulness in small things."
Pooley, 39, says Upper Room has made a visible difference in the community by being present and engaged beyond Sunday services.
"Whether it’s through local outreach efforts, serving the beach and surf communities, supporting families in need or simply creating space for genuine connection, Upper Room reflects God’s love in practical, meaningful ways," he adds. "We’re grateful for what God’s doing now and we see more growth on the horizon. Our heart is depth before breadth: building a disciple-making culture, strengthening pastoral care and prayer, and raising healthy leaders who serve our city."
